SHENZHEN, China - Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy held onto Ireland's three-stroke lead in the World Cup of Golf yesterday, shooting a 4-under par 68 in the second round.

The Irishmen were 18-under 126 for 36 holes after the alternate-shot second day of the $5.5 million tournament. Defending champion Sweden was second after Robert Karlsson and Henrik Stenson shot the day's best round - a 7-under 65 - at the Mission Hills Golf Club.

Italy (66) was four strokes off the lead in third, while Japan (71) was in fourth at 11-under. The American duo of Nick Watney and John Merrick was tied for 20th at 5-under.

Wales (68) and Venezuela (67) were both eight strokes off the lead, while four teams - South Africa (70), England (69), India (68) and New Zealand (68) - finished with a 9-under 135 for 36 holes.